U.S. patent application number 13/713260 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for surgical instrument with pressure distribution device.
This patent application is currently assigned to COVIDIEN LP. The applicant listed for this patent is COVIDIEN LP. Invention is credited to Xingrui Chen, Matthew J. Chowaniec, Peter T. Collings, Luis Dussan, Paul D. Richard.
Application Number | 20140166720 13/713260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49841496 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140166720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chowaniec; Matthew J. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2014 |
Surgical Instrument with Pressure Distribution Device
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a surgical apparatus,
comprising an anvil jaw configured to form at least one surgical
staple, a cartridge jaw configured to deploy one or more surgical
staples against the anvil jaw, and a pressure distribution device
attached to at least one of the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw,
wherein the pressure distribution device is configured to
distribute a clamping pressure to a target tissue during a clamping
and a stapling of the target tissue.
Inventors: |
Chowaniec; Matthew J.;
(Middletown, CT) ; Chen; Xingrui; (Hamden, CT)
; Collings; Peter T.; (Shelton, CT) ; Dussan;
Luis; (East Haven, CT) ; Richard; Paul D.;
(Shelton, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COVIDIEN LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COVIDIEN LP
Mansfield
MA
|
Family ID: |
49841496 |
Appl. No.: |
13/713260 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
227/176.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00862
20130101; A61B 2017/00867 20130101; A61B 17/068 20130101; A61B
2017/00557 20130101; A61B 2017/00398 20130101; A61B 2017/2926
20130101; A61B 17/07207 20130101; A61B 2017/07271 20130101; A61B
2017/00022 20130101; A61B 2017/07257 20130101; A61B 17/072
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
227/176.1 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/068 20060101
A61B017/068 |
Claims
1. A surgical apparatus, comprising: an anvil jaw configured to
form at least one surgical staple; a cartridge jaw configured to
deploy one or more surgical staples against the anvil jaw; and a
pressure distribution device attached to at least one of the anvil
jaw and the cartridge jaw, wherein the pressure distribution device
is configured to distribute a clamping pressure to a target tissue
during a clamping and a stapling of the target tissue, the pressure
distribution device being at least initially furled up in a
retracted state.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure distribution
device includes at least one flap extending from a side of a
respective anvil jaw and cartridge jaw.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure distribution
device is made of a shape memory material.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure distribution
device is furled up in a retracted state and retained against at
least one of the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw such that the
apparatus has a low profile.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the anvil jaw and the
cartridge jaw comprise at least one pressure distribution device
attached to a surface thereof.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each pressure distribution
device is furled up in a retracted state such that the apparatus
has a low profile.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anvil jaw and the
cartridge jaw each include one pressure distribution device,
wherein each pressure distribution device is substantially U-shaped
and extends beyond a distal end of the respective anvil jaw and
cartridge jaw.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one pressure
distribution device includes an inflatable bladder that is deflated
in a retracted state and inflated in an extended state.
9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one pressure
distribution device further includes a deployment member that holds
the at least one flap in a retracted state, and is configured to
allow the at least one flap to move to an extended state.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the deployment member is a
tubular member slidably disposed on the apparatus, configured to
slide between a distal position surrounding the at least one flap
and holding the at least one flap in the retracted state, and a
proximal position to release the at least one flap and allow the at
least one flap to move to an extended state.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the deployment member
includes at least one or more ties that bind the at least one flap
in the retracted state.
12. A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising the
steps of: providing a surgical apparatus, including: an anvil jaw;
a cartridge jaw configured to deploy one or more surgical staples
into the anvil jaw; and a pressure distribution device attached to
at least one of the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw, wherein the
pressure distribution device is configured to distribute pressure
to a target tissue during clamping and stapling of a target tissue;
and deploying the pressure distribution device before clamping and
stapling a target tissue.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of deploying of the
pressure distribution device is performed after clamping but before
stapling.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein each pressure distribution
device is furled up in a retracted state against at least one of
the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw such that the apparatus has a
low profile, the method further comprising passing the surgical
apparatus through a cannula in the refracted state.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
unfurling the pressure distribution device from the retracted state
to a deployed state after passing the pressure distribution device
through a cannula.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of clamping
target tissue after unfurling the pressure distribution device.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of stapling
target tissue after clamping target tissue.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of
unclamping target tissue after stapling.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of furling
the pressure distribution device back into the retracted state
after unclamping target tissue.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to medical instruments and
the use thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure is
directed to medical staplers and pressure distribution during a
clamping and/or stapling procedure.
[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
[0004] Generally, surgical fastener applying instruments grasp or
clamp tissue between opposing jaw structures and join the tissue by
means of surgical fasteners. In some such instruments, a knife is
provided to cut the tissue which has been joined by the fasteners.
The fasteners are typically in the form of surgical staples,
although other surgical fasteners may also be utilized, such as,
for example, clips or two part polymeric surgical fasteners.
[0005] Certain surgical fastener applying instruments include two
elongated jaw members which are used to capture or clamp tissue
therebetween. Typically, one of the jaw members carries a cartridge
assembly which houses a plurality of staples arranged in at least
two lateral rows, while the other jaw member includes an anvil
which defines a surface for forming the staple legs as the staples
are driven from the cartridge assembly. Where two part fasteners
are used, the jaw member which includes the anvil carries a mating
part of the two part fastener, e.g. the receiver. Generally, the
staple formation process is effected by the interaction between one
or more longitudinally moving camming members and a series of
individual staple pushers. As the camming members travel
longitudinally through the cartridge carrying jaw member, the
individual staple pushers are urged upwardly into a backspan of the
staples supported within the cartridge assembly to sequentially
eject the staples from the cartridge assembly. A knife may be
provided to travel with the camming members between the staple rows
to cut the tissue between the rows of formed staples.
[0006] Pinching may occur at the site of clamped tissue along the
periphery of the jaw members due to a very localized high pressure
gradient between the clamped tissue and the tissue lying outside
the jaws. This pinching may affect the quality of the procedure.
Solutions to these issues are described hereinbelow.
SUMMARY
[0007] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present
disclosure, a surgical apparatus includes an anvil jaw configured
to form at least one surgical staple, a cartridge jaw configured to
deploy one or more surgical staples against the anvil jaw, and a
pressure distribution device attached to at least one of the anvil
jaw and the cartridge jaw, wherein the pressure distribution device
is configured to distribute a clamping pressure to a target tissue
during a clamping and a stapling of the target tissue.
[0008] Each pressure distribution device may include at least one
flap extending from a side of a respective anvil jaw and cartridge
jaw.
[0009] Each pressure distribution device may be made of a shape
memory material, or can be reinforced with a shape memory
material.
[0010] Each pressure distribution device may be furled up in a
retracted state against at least one of the anvil jaw and the
cartridge jaw such that the apparatus has a low profile.
[0011] Each of the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw may comprise at
least one pressure distribution device attached to a surface
thereof.
[0012] Each pressure distribution device may be furled up in a
retracted state such that the apparatus has a low profile.
[0013] Each pressure distribution device may be substantially
U-shaped and extends beyond a distal end of the respective anvil
jaw and cartridge jaw.
[0014] At least one pressure distribution device may include an
inflatable bladder that is deflated in a retracted state and
inflated in an extended state.
[0015] At least one pressure distribution device may further
include a deployment member that holds the at least one flap in a
refracted state, and is configured to allow the at least one flap
to move to an extended state.
[0016] The deployment member may be a tubular member slidably
disposed on the apparatus, configured to slide between a distal
position surrounding the at least one flap and holding the at least
one flap in the retracted state, and a proximal position to release
the at least one flap and allow the at least one flap to move to an
extended state.
[0017] The deployment member may include at least one or more ties
that bind the at least one flap in the retracted state.
[0018] In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, a method includes providing a surgical apparatus
including an anvil jaw, a cartridge jaw configured to deploy one or
more surgical staples into the anvil jaw, and a pressure
distribution device attached to at least one of the anvil jaw and
the cartridge jaw, wherein the pressure distribution device is
configured to distribute pressure to a target tissue during
clamping and stapling of a target tissue, and deploying the
pressure distribution device before clamping and stapling a target
tissue.
[0019] The deploying of the pressure distribution device may be
performed after clamping but before stapling.
[0020] Each pressure distribution device may be furled up in a
retracted state against at least one of the anvil jaw and the
cartridge jaw such that the apparatus has a low profile, the method
further comprising passing the surgical apparatus through a cannula
in the retracted state.
[0021] The method may further include the step of unfurling the
pressure distribution device from the retracted state to a deployed
state after passing the pressure distribution device through a
cannula.
[0022] The method may further include the step of clamping target
tissue after unfurling the pressure distribution device.
[0023] The method may further include the step of stapling target
tissue after clamping target tissue.
[0024] The method may further include the step of unclamping target
tissue after stapling.
[0025] The method may further include the step of furling the
pressure distribution device back into the retracted state after
unclamping target tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of a
surgical instrument in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of another
embodiment of a surgical instrument in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 5A is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of at least one embodiment of a surgical instrument in accordance
with the present disclosure, shown in a retracted state;
[0032] FIG. 5B is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of the surgical instrument of FIG. 5A, shown in an extended or
deployed state;
[0033] FIG. 6A is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of another embodiment of a surgical instrument in accordance with
the present disclosure, shown in a retracted state;
[0034] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 6A, shown in a retracted state;
[0035] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 6A, shown in a deployed or extended state;
[0036] FIG. 7A is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of another embodiment of a surgical instrument in accordance with
the present disclosure, shown in a retracted state;
[0037] FIG. 7B is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of the surgical instrument of FIG. 7A, shown in a deployed or
extended state;
[0038] FIG. 8A is a front, elevational view of another embodiment
of a surgical instrument in accordance with the present disclosure,
shown in a retracted state;
[0039] FIG. 8B is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of the surgical instrument of FIG. 8A, shown in a deployed or
inflated state;
[0040] FIG. 9A is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of another embodiment of a surgical instrument in accordance with
the present disclosure, shown in a retracted state; and
[0041] FIG. 9B is a front, elevational view, partially in section,
of the surgical instrument of FIG. 9A, shown in a deployed or
extended state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical
elements throughout the description of the figures. As shown in the
drawings and described throughout the following description, as is
traditional when referring to relative positioning on a surgical
instrument, the term "proximal" refers to the end of the apparatus
that is closer to the user and the term "distal" refers to the end
of the apparatus that is farther away from the user. The term
"clinician" refers to any medical professional (e.g., doctor,
surgeon, nurse, or the like) performing a medical procedure
involving the use of embodiments described herein.
[0043] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are
described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings;
however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the
disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known
functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid
obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0044] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present
disclosure, a surgical instrument is described herein. The surgical
instrument may be a tissue stapling apparatus or a tissue clamping
apparatus, such as, for example, an end effector, disposable
loading unit (DLU), single use loading unit (SULU), multi use
loading unit (MULU), etc. The apparatus can include removable and
replaceable parts, such as a reload or loading unit that includes
the anvil and cartridge assembly (SULU). The cartridge assembly may
be removable and replaceable in an instrument that has jaws that
are intended to be reused during the same procedure, or removable
and replaceable in a SULU.
[0045] A tissue stapling apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 1-9B, may
generally include an anvil jaw supporting an anvil and a cartridge
jaw supporting a cartridge assembly, wherein the anvil and
cartridge assembly cooperate with one another to clamp the target
tissue, and to deploy one or more surgical staples into target
tissue and form the one or more surgical staples.
[0046] Each embodiment shown in the figures further includes at
least one embodiment of a pressure distribution device or
attachment in accordance with the present disclosure. Generally,
the at least one pressure distribution device or attachment may be
permanently or selectively attached to one or both of the anvil jaw
and the cartridge jaw.
[0047] The pressure distribution device or attachment may be made
into any suitable shape to contact a target tissue and reduce the
pressure associated with a clamping of the target tissue by the
surgical instrument. Specific embodiments of the pressure
distribution device or attachment are described in more detail
below.
[0048] The apparatus can include a manually operated and manually
powered handle portion, a motorized powered handle portion with an
internal or external power source, or other interface for actuating
the end effector.
[0049] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-3, an end effector 100, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use
with a surgical instrument is shown. End effector 100 includes an
anvil jaw or portion 102, a cartridge jaw or portion 104, and a
pressure distribution device or attachment 110 is shown. Reference
may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821, filed on
Aug. 31, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated herein,
for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of an
exemplary surgical instrument.
[0050] As depicted, the end effector 100 is clamped down on the
target tissue "T" with the pressure distribution device or
attachment 110 shown in an extended or deployed state. The pressure
distribution device or attachment 110 is configured to distribute a
clamping pressure to the target tissue "T" during clamping and
stapling of the target tissue "T".
[0051] The pressure distribution device or attachment 110 includes
at least one anvil flap 112 and/or at least one cartridge flap 114
extending from a side of the anvil jaw 102 or the cartridge jaw
104, respectively.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flaps 112, 114 may be
substantially U-shaped in an axial direction such that the flaps
112, 114 extend from a proximal portion and wrap around a distal
end of respective anvil jaw 102 and cartridge jaw 104.
[0053] In operation, when anvil jaw 102 and cartridge jaw 104 are
clamped onto target tissue "T", flaps 112, 114 of pressure
distribution device or attachment 110 extend outwardly therefrom
and across the target tissue "T". In so doing, flaps 112, 114
increase a surface area of the tissue contacting surfaces of anvil
jaw 102 and cartridge jaw 104. By increasing the surface area of
the tissue contacting surfaces of anvil jaw 102 and cartridge jaw
104, pressure distribution device 110 distributes a clamping load
away from the hard edges of anvil jaw 102 and cartridge jaw 104,
wherein the clamping load gradually transitions.
[0054] Flaps 112, 114 may be sized to any desired width or length
on jaws 102 and 104. Flaps 112, 114 do not have to be of identical
size or shape. For example, flap 112 may be wider, thicker, and/or
longer than flap 114 and vice versa.
[0055] Each flap 112, 114 of pressure distribution device or
attachment 110 may be made of a high durometer rubber, shape memory
material, a foam, a gel, a plastic, a spring loaded plastic, or any
other suitable material.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a pressure
distribution device or attachment 310 is shown. The pressure
distribution device or attachment 310 includes a first anvil flap
312a and a second anvil flap 312b attached to opposed lateral sides
of the anvil jaw 102. Pressure distribution device or attachment
310 also includes a first cartridge flap 314a and a second
cartridge flap 314b attached to opposed lateral sides of cartridge
jaw 104.
[0057] With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, end effector 100 is shown
illustrating an embodiment of pressure distribution device or
attachment 110 in a refracted state and an extended or deployed
state, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5A, the flaps 112, 114 may be
furled up against the anvil jaw 102 and the cartridge jaw 104,
respectively, such that the transverse cross-sectional profile of
the end effector 100, has a low profile, wherein the end effector
100 is capable of being inserted through a cannula (not shown) to
reach a target surgical site. In FIG. 5B, the flaps 112, 114 are
unfurled such that the flaps 112, 114 extend laterally outward from
the anvil jaw 102 and the cartridge jaw 104, respectively, to
increase the effective surface area of each jaw, as described
above. The flaps may be temporarily attached to the jaws initially.
Yes, they can be temporarily attached by means or adhesive or snap
features.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, a deployment device/tube 120
may be provided for use in conjunction with end effector 100 and
pressure distribution device or attachment 110. Deployment tube 120
may be a tubular member slidably connected to or disposed about end
effector 100 such that the deployment tube 120 may selectively
cover and expose flaps 112, 114.
[0059] As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, pressure distribution device or
attachment 110 is shown in a retracted state having the deployment
tube 120 disposed over the flaps 112, 114, whereby deployment tube
120 facilitates passage of end effector 100 through a cannula (not
shown). FIG. 6C shows the deployment tube 120 in a withdrawn or
retracted condition exposing the flaps 112, 114 such that the flaps
112, 114 are free to unfurl into the extended or deployed state,
either manually or due to restoring force acting on the flaps 112,
114. The tube could be integral to the instrument working shaft.
The tube may also take the form of a cap that is pulled off
manually by using a set of graspers after having been inserted
through the cannula.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a pressure distribution
device or attachment 410 in accordance with another embodiment of
the disclosure, associated with end effector 400, is shown in a
retracted state and an extended or deployed state, respectively. As
shown in FIG. 7A, the flaps 412, 414 may be furled or folded to
overlie the tissue contacting surfaces and are sandwiched between
anvil jaw 402 and the cartridge jaw 404 such that the end effector
400 is capable of being inserted through a cannula (not shown) to
reach a surgical site. In FIG. 7B, the flaps 412, 414 are unfurled
after separating the anvil jaw 402 and the cartridge jaw 404 such
that the flaps 412, 414 extend laterally outward from the anvil jaw
402 and the cartridge jaw 404 to increase the effective surface
area of each jaw.
[0061] It is important to note that while the flaps 412, 414 are
shown as rigid linkages attached to the anvil jaw 402 and cartridge
jaw 404 via a mechanical hinge, flaps 412, 414 may be of any
suitable material and attached as described herein or
otherwise.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a pressure distribution
device or attachment 510 in accordance with another embodiment of
the present disclosure, associated with end effector 500, is shown
in a retracted state and an extended or deployed state,
respectively. Pressure distribution device or attachment 510
includes at least one inflatable bladder 516 disposed in at least
one flap 512, 514 that is deflated in a retracted state and
inflated in an extended or deployed state. The inflatable bladders
516 may be connected to a pressurized fluid supply (not shown) and
inflated/deflated as need or desired. The flaps may be made from an
elastic membrane so that they extend and retract. They can be made
of a plastic or elastomeric material to provide flexibility. The
deflection of the flaps would be controlled in the design by means
of thickness. Closer to the jaws, the flaps would be thicker to
minimize the amount of deflection in the flap. The flaps would
progressively get thinner further away from the jaws to allow for
more deflection.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 8A, the flaps 512, 514 may be deflated and
retracted up against the anvil jaw 502 and the cartridge jaw 504,
respectively, such that the profile of the end effector 500 allows
insertion through a cannula (not shown) to reach a surgical site.
In FIG. 8B, the bladders 516 are pressurized with fluid (e.g., air,
CO2, saline, etc.) and flaps 512, 514 are inflated such that the
flaps 512, 514 extend laterally outward from the anvil jaw 502 and
the cartridge jaw 504, respectively, to increase the effective
surface area of each jaw. Flaps 512, 514 may also be deflated for
removal or withdrawal of the end effector 500 through the cannula
(not shown). In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the
pressure distribution device or attachment can include one or more
inflatable and/or fillable flap extending away from the jaw or jaws
in one or more directions.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, end effector 100 is shown
illustrating pressure distribution device or attachment 110 in a
retracted state and an extended or deployed state, respectively.
Pressure distribution device or attachment 110 includes at least
one deployment member 118, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure that holds the flaps 112, 114 in the retracted
state. For example, deployment members 118 may be one or more ties
or tethers that bind the flaps 112, 114 to the retracted state.
Other means for temporarily retaining the flaps are adhesives, snap
features, ties, straps, etc.
[0065] The deployment members 118 are configured to selectively
separate from flaps 112, 114 to allow the flaps 112, 114 to unfurl
to the extended or deployed state. For example, deployment members
118 may be manually cut, snapped, or untied. In other embodiments,
the deployment members 118 may be made of a dissolvable material
such that the introduction of a fluid (e.g., saline or water) will
dissolve the deployment members 118 and allow the flaps 112, 114 to
unfurl to the extended or deployed state.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 9A, the flaps 112, 114 may be folded or
furled up against the anvil jaw 102 and the cartridge jaw 104 such
that the profile of the end effector 100 allows insertion through a
cannula (not shown) to reach a target surgical site. In FIG. 9B,
the deployment members 118 are snapped, and flaps 112, 114 are
unfurled such that the flaps 112, 114 extend laterally outward from
the anvil jaw 102 and the cartridge jaw 104 to increase the
effective surface area of each jaw. As with other embodiments,
flaps 112, 114 may be furled or folded back into a retracted state
for removal of the end effector 100 through the cannula (not
shown). The flaps, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, can
extend in one or more directions, from one or more sides of the jaw
or jaws.
[0067] It is important to note that while the flaps 112, 114 are
shown as rigid linkages attached to the anvil jaw 102 and cartridge
jaw 104 via a mechanical hinge, flaps 112, 114 may be of any
suitable material and attached as described herein or
otherwise.
[0068] In at least some embodiments, the above described pressure
distribution devices or attachments may be combined in any suitable
manner. For example, a pressure distribution device or attachment
may include at least one of a flap having an inflatable bladder, a
flap having a tie that binds the flap into the refracted position,
and a tubular member that prevents the flap from moving to the
extended or deployed position. Many other combinations are
contemplated, but are not expressly disclosed herein for the sake
of brevity.
[0069] In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a method
includes providing a surgical instrument and/or end effector having
a pressure distribution device or attachment as described herein,
and deploying the pressure distribution device or attachment before
clamping and stapling a target tissue.
[0070] Sensors may be used, in any of the embodiments disclosed
herein. A pressure sensor can be incorporated in or on the pressure
distribution device. An inflatable device can include a sensor for
the pressure of the fluid or other medium inside the pressure
distribution device. The flaps may be constructed of or include
thin film sensors (strain gauges, capacitive sensors, etc.) that
will provide feedback to the handle and ultimately the user with
regards to tissue thickness and the pressure being applied to the
tissue by the flaps. This electrical data may be communicated to
the handle by means of a hardwired connection as well as a wireless
data communication.
[0071] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives
and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present
disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances. The embodiments described with
reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to
demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements,
steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different
from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also
intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *